hello, danger bay

2012-01-07T13:47:00.002-05:00

Camp Radio: Ottawa & Toronto & Austin

.: Poster by meltingplastic :.

CAMP RADIO
Saturday, January 28th
Irene's
w/Great Aunt Ida
885 Bank Street
Ottawa ON
Facebook Event

.: Photo by Kenneth Locke :.

CAMP RADIO
Tuesday, January 31st
The Horseshoe Tavern
370 Queen St. W.
Toronto ON

SXSW Details coming soon!

2012-01-01T20:25:00.003-05:00

2012 and then some

.: Checking out the new year in the mirror. Interesting :.

.: Estee shows me how it's done :.

Happy New Year kids and cats and music lovers!

Next up for CAMP RADIO is an Irene's show here in Ottawa with one of our faves, Great Aunt Ida (Saturday January 28th).

Ida's new album is out now and this will be her official Ottawa release. It's a killer album and Draves was at the helm for much of it. Check it out before the show...

We'll finally get to Toronto to support Campista Socialista at the end of this month...January 31st to be exact. It's a Horseshoe show as part of Dave Bookman's Nu Music Nite...it's been years since I've done one of those! We're on first at 9pm, so no 'it's a school night' excuses, Toronto pals!

Early February we're in Peterborough too...we'll keep you posted.

We've also been accepted to showcase at SXSW this year. And I know by the time March rolls around I'll be craving some of that amazing Texas sunshine. But alas...January only just crept in and I'm wearing a scarf religiously for real.

Later!

.: Too bad it's not the year of the rabbit :.

2011-12-08T18:29:00.003-05:00

Donations to the Ottawa Food Bank please
(and we'll play you some awesome songs)

Alright! It's festive Camp Radio time! Nah, you won't hear any Silver Bells at this one, but I'm thinking you all need a break from that monotonous musak anyway. Our pals Winchester Warm are along for the ride, so this one will be a great mix of Saturday night music!

.: Camp Radio and Winchester Warm Festiving :.

I realize you can do all ages shows there, but sadly, this time around, we didn't nail down the proper license...Yes, this place is serious DIY (Sorry folks under 19, but we promise to rectify soon...rain cheque??)

No advance tickets for this one either.... It's an early show...doors at 8, music at 9. We'll be out of there by 11ish. Cold pints, wine, etc will be served.

Most importantly, please bring a non perishable food item for the Ottawa Food Bank.

It's also a bit of an ice breaker for some of us as the last time I played Saw I don't think the internet existed.

2011-11-26T19:01:00.002-05:00

An Unappreciated Classic

.: The Stand GT, circa '93 :.

I stumbled on this post today about The Stand GT's first record, They're Magically Delicious and I gotta tell you, it kinda made my day.

The fact the review/reflection is positioned under a mini-series titled 'Unappreciated Classics' seems incredibly poignant and timely. (As an aside, one might argue The Stand GT's entire career could fall under a similar heading...though some would rightly take the term 'classic' tongue firmly stuck in cheek).

You see, two recent publications have come to light in this country that reflect on the time period our band was extremely active. We were mounting long, cross country/continent tours at that time, releasing records in multiple countries and generally busting our young broke asses.

The first book, Have Not Been The Same (Redux) is a colossal account (800 pages!) of all the incredible music this country produced from 1985 to 1995. Despite in depth accounts of so many pockets of great music scenes Canada produced in that time, there is not so much as a mention of The Stand GT. I remember feeling incredibly bummed to not be included in this extensive document when it originally surfaced 10 years ago.

But hey, I suppose it's a big country and I wouldn't exactly call 'Glengarry' a burgeoning indie music scene in the late 80s and early 90s. Can you say 'off the radar'?

The second new publication is a celebration of Mint Records called 'Fresh at Twenty'. I was interviewed for the book and - more hindsight - I get a huge kick out of how we were one quick power chord away from having a full length record on one of our favourite labels (though I'm super proud of the 7" we did for Mint).

I suppose we could point to misunderstandings, disorganization, lack of communication, alcohol and/or geography for the missed opportunity, but I guess ultimately things just plain ol' happen, or don't, for a reason.

After all, it certainly was another time, another place.

But indeed those were magic times. I don't need to remind you we're talking pre-cell phone, pre-internet, pre-email, pre-social everything, yet four rural Ontario kids found a way to crisscross the continent multiple times, release a pile of records internationally...all while staying put where we probably rightfully belonged...deep in the underground.

Maybe in this age of hyper communication it's easier to get good records heard and let them have a chance to live on and be cherished in more than just a handful of indie music fans' collections.

Or maybe the cream truly does rise to the top...regardless of day and age.

Either way, thank you 'binky'.

Return to: www.campradio.org

2011-11-16T19:35:00.002-05:00

Thanks Halifax and more Camp Radio

.: An evening stroll, for evening souls :.

Holy cats!

It's been a crazy busy few weeks so I'm late to getting to the ol' blog and crowing about what an awesome time we had in Halifax!

The good, dear folks at Saved By Vinyl, Herohill and Company House took amazing care of us and left me wondering the entire weekend what took me so long to get back to HPX.

.: Chris takes centre stage at the Company House, Halifax :.

Two great shows in two great days and as it always does, Nova Scotia left this landlocked kid craving so much more.

Guaranteed we'll be steering the Camp Radio bus in those eastern directions very soon.

.: Both sides now: giving the acoustic guitar some Maritime spotlight :.

Speaking of, Camp Radio just played a sold out show in Ottawa at Zaphod's with Toronto band 'Sheezer'. For those of you not in the know (yet), Sheezer is a super fun bunch of gals doing all out Weezer covers! *A-hem*, and Uh-HUH!

The next Campista Socialista on deck is just around the corner too! We're gearing up for a December show at the Saw Gallery here in Ottawa. It's slated for Saturday the 10th...details on here super SOON.

2011-10-16T16:01:00.002-04:00

Halifax bound and a new video!

.: Photo of Chris by Ming Wu :.

This Friday and Saturday I have two shows in Halifax as part of the awesome Halifax Pop Explosion festival.

Egad, I think it's been 10 years since I last played HPX, so I'm looking forward to getting some of my Atlantic time on!

Here are the deets:

CHRIS PAGE
Friday, October 21st
The Company House
Herohill Party at HPX
202 Gottingen Street,
Halifax NS

CHRIS PAGE
Saturday, October 22nd
The Company House
Herohill/SBV BBQ at HPX
202 Gottingen Street,
Halifax NS

Also, as the summer weather sadly slips from our collective grasps and we weave toward hibernation mode, here's a new poignant video. It's for 'Summertime Out' a track from my last solo record, 'A Date With A Smoke Machine':

You can buy the album here.

See you on the east coast!

2011-09-22T10:49:00.002-04:00

A Date With A Smoke Machine - CBC Bandwidth

.: Photo by Stephanie Montreuil :.

Holy cats...I almost forgot about this one...

Amanda Putz just reminded me about my CBC Bandwidth recording from last summer at the Black Sheep Inn. Pals Dave Draves, Jill Zmud and Jake Bryce joined me onstage for that show, and if memory serves it was a good one!

Tune in to hear our versions of songs from A Date With A Smoke Machine and others...It airs this Saturday 5pm EST on CBC Bandwidth.

We'll post a CBC permalink to the entire show here soon.

2011-09-05T20:07:00.003-04:00

Launch day! Camp Radio - Campista Socialista

Get it now! $10 (or more, you awesome people) gets you an INSTANT DOWNLOAD!

2011-08-31T21:11:00.007-04:00

Step Up and Get a Copy: It's a Campista Socialista

.: Hopping to the stolen motorbike ... photo by kenneth locke :.

Swell news all around...

Montreal show added!

Mother's Children and Mnemonics on the bill in Ottawa!

The vinyl will be leaving the plant any minute now!

10 great songs for $10! (Or a bit more if you feel like really supporting these indie rockers)

Tuesday is official launch day...

Living large, feeling fine. Lilacs are blooming overhead.

2011-08-18T19:27:00.005-04:00

C'mon and pre-order!

.: You can pre-order the new album this Monday! :.

Arite. Tell you what. We're almost there.

As you know, the new Camp Radio record 'Campista Socialista' will be released in a couple o' weeks (Tuesday September 6th, 2011 to be exact).

But so our friends and fans can get a jump on the bonus stuff happening with the first 100 LPs, we're going to offer an online pre-order this coming Monday.

Here's how it's going to work...

With every pre-order, you'll get three instant downloads from the album:'The Girl Who Stole My Motorbike', 'Turn Up The Radio' and 'Slack'. On September 6th, the switch will flip and you'll get an email to come back to download the rest of the record.

Also, you can totally choose to order a hard copy CD or a 180 gram, gatefold LP. Both will come with a digital download of the entire album (included in the price). Either way, the download will be available on September 6th and we'll ship hard copies ASAP after that.

Best of all, you vinyl lovers: the first 100 LPs will come with a VERY limited 7" containing two unreleased songs.

Cool? We think so.

Do it!

2011-07-25T15:38:00.006-04:00

Chris solo shows: Mark Davis comes to Ottawa and Wakefield this week!

.: Chris and Mark play 'in the round' with Lorrie Matheson and Jill Zmud last year in Calgary :.

With all the Camp Radio excitement lately, I gotta tell ya that I haven't forgotten about my solo chops.

I'm accompanying my pal Mark Davis in these parts when he comes to town to celebrate the release of 'Eliminate the Toxins' with shows at the Elmdale and Kaffe 1870 this week (Wednesday and Friday, respectively).

You should really try to get out for one (or both!) of these...his new album is fantastic and WILL be on many critics' year end lists. Mark has both vinyl and CD copies with him.

Vancouver's Sarah Wheeler is also on both bills. I think the plan is to play 'in the round', festival style, for both shows. Should be super fun...hope to see you out and supporting indie musicians on tour! Cheers!

2011-07-16T10:03:00.003-04:00

How The West Was Won?

.: To think David Lee Roth needed a harness to do this :.

Camp Radio's western whirlwind tour was just beyond incredible. Estee on a plane! We flew out, played 4 shows in 3 days and made solid use of a rented RV in our indie rock swagger process.

As expected the Saved by Vinyl BBQ was a huge, crazy hit and the steady flow of Calgarians/Sled Island revelers was constant and super enthusiastic. And the pics are pretty awesome thanks to Kenneth Locke.

Mark Davis's release shows were great as well...it was good to get the band up to Edmonton and break the Camp Radio ice in that fine city. With the official Socialista party just around the corner, a Camp Radio return sooner than later might just be in the cards.

(Special thanks to Lees and J-Rock for being an amazing crew...hope to have you guys on the road again soon!)

Next up: Mark Davis shows in the Ottawa area + Campista Socialista official launch date details!

Cheerz...

2011-05-22T21:52:00.003-04:00

Camp Radio Flies West

.: Calgary party on :.

The flights are booked folks. We've been invited to play a bunch of shows in Alberta, so Camp Radio is off to join our pal Mark Davis for a few shows in Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary.

Mark is releasing his amazing new album 'Eliminate the Toxins'. I've heard it. It's awesome.

We're landing in Calgary as part of the Sled Island festival and have two shows there. One is the Saved By Vinyl BBQ - an afternoon show - and we play an evening show as well.

Check out our new T-shirts which are now available to order online.

They are awesome and you really need one.

2011-04-30T20:58:00.002-04:00

Camp Radio Test Press Nation and the CAMPISTA SOCIALISTA

.: Scott Terry test press listening party last nite :.

APPROVED.

Key-RIST these test pressings sound amazing. While the 12" is still on the way, these two are melting this OB table.

Details soon, our friends.

.: THE MAGIC: 2 of 3 test presses of new CAMP RADIO :.

Draves ate chips, Estee drank wine, Pager hit 'power', Jeffer sipped Kitchissippi, Jim was on the ROCK and Charlie tried to escape the mayhem and roam into the night. It all spells 'press these puppies'.

Note the new shows, just announced. The Campista Socialista is rolling into Kelp Weekend next Saturday and then out west in June.

PREP UP!

2011-03-09T17:49:00.002-05:00

You should bring your secret tape recorders

.: Sure we're rehashing our western tour poster, but most of you didn't get to see this fine beauty :.

Jill and I promise to test drive new songs! Hey, what more reason do you need to step it up and step out on a Friday night? See you in the Glebe...

2011-01-23T20:12:00.006-05:00

"Brighter Days" Indeed

.: Estee flanked by Jim and Jeff at yesterday's Camp Radio "Final Mixing Socialista" :.

As Camp Radio finishes up our second album, I've been dabbling with home-recording to bide my time, fill my days, escape winter.

I was recently driving around listening to Parts & Labor and their incredible album 'Mapmaker' when I decided I had to take a stab at covering one of their songs.

The result is this: Brighter Days. While a tad more mellow and considerably less fun than the real version, ;) it was really wicked to put together. While giving it a new spin, I totally wanted to do this brilliant song justice.

Brighter Days (Parts & Labor) by chrispager

The Parts & Labor guys were kind enough to let me upload this, so give a listen.

And be sure to go buy some of their amazing albums. I'm really looking forward to 'Constant Future' which is due out on Jagjaguwar this March.

And as for Camp Radio...we're almost there...mastering next month!

Cheers!

.: Dave in Little Bullhorn Prods: It's a WRAP! :.

2010-12-20T12:35:00.005-05:00

How to Cover Hall and Oats

The good folks at Herohill asked me to participate in a year-end challenge of sorts.

The question: Would I cover a Hall and Oats song for their site?

.: A sweet gift circa 1981 :.

My immediate reaction involved visions of messy, awkward high school dances, but once I got past that horror, deeper H&O memories came racing back to me.

It was around grade 4 when one of my friends Linda Switzer moved away with her family to California. While still fairly far away today, the west coast State was worlds away to a young kid from Glengarry in the early 80s. I was sure I'd never see her again and I was right.

But a few months later she did something that I've never forgotten. She sent me a 7" record in the mail. My grade 4 prepubescent brain was beyond thrilled and incredibly touched. The record was the hit single 'Private Eyes' by Daryl Hall and John Oats.

When the Herohill guys came knocking, I thought it would be fun to tie their plan to that nostalgic record and I immediately went digging through my collection. I was bent on covering the B side, regardless of what that turned out to be (I had obviously long forgotten, not even sure that I had ever listened to it in the first place).

The result was 'Tell Me What You Want'. While not remarkable in the lyrics department (most pop songs aren't), to my surprise it is a great, catchy number!

My version is on the 80s-dance-track-killer side of mellow, but I encourage you to check out the original once you've given mine - and the other great covers here - a listen.

The Herohill guys will love you for taking the time to do both.

Cheers.

2010-10-28T18:47:00.002-04:00

Hallowe'en? Alright! New Vid Then...

.: strange things are afoot at the circle K :.

so much going on! i really need to spend some time on this site soon...but in the meantime, i hope you've got your ghouliest ghoulness together and you're geared up to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

i am.

and this new video starring me and charlie is dead on proof!

happy spookin' frights in 2010!

2010-09-01T20:07:00.002-04:00

CAMP RADIO to play Beau's Oktoberfest!

.: Photo by Andrew Carver @ Raw Sugar :.

We're super psyched to announce we'll be playing the 2nd annual Beau's Oktoberfest on Saturday October 2nd in Vankleek Hill, Ontario.

I was at the first one last year and let me tell you...it was an amazing time! This year is bigger and better - natch - and the good folks at Beau's have a ton of fun up their collective brewing sleeves.

On the record front, final mixing is almost done. Yes, folks...finally....a new CAMP RADIO record is just around the corner. And yes, like you, I can't wait.

Cheers!

2010-07-17T09:03:00.002-04:00

At the Black Sheep July 23rd - A CBC recording

.: Poster by Leila Younis :.

Good pal and brilliant musician Mark Davis joins me on the magical Black Sheep stage next Friday July 23rd. This show will be recorded by the CBC to be aired at a later date. My friends Jill Zmud, Dave Draves, Jake Bryce and Doug MacPherson will all join me on stage for my set.

.: Rockin at Ottawa Bluesfest Photo by Ming Wu :.

The Kelp Records Revue was this year's installment of some of the label's finest at Bluesfest. I played after Andrew Vincent and rocked it up with Rhume as well. Ming has taken some great pics so check 'em at flickr.

.: In the Barney Danson theatre with Jill and the gang. Photo by Brian Goldschmied :.

Man, the theatre was packed for Jill's show! It was another great one and reminded me of the set we did at the GCTC earlier in the year. It's always such a pleasure to join Ms. Zmud, Draves, Jerusha and Christine on stage.

See you at the Black Sheep!

Cheers...

2010-07-03T10:39:00.004-04:00

Been a long time since I blogged and rolled

.: On the Yellowhead outside Edmonton AB :.

So much has been going on since I last tuned into this blog. Here's a quick summary of what's been happening and what's on the way.

Jill and I had an amazing time out west. I met so many fine Saskatchewan folks on our travels and every show we played was a stellar treat. And, as per usual, the hospitality in both SK and Calgary and Edmonton was over the top. We played with our AB pals Lorrie Matheson and Mark Davis at the Ironwood in Calgary and also stopped to play the terrific Empress in Edmonton.

.: Lorrie, Jill, Chris and Mark at the Ironwood :.

While there are plenty of fun stories, the one that still blows me away is how a car dealership in Saskatoon lent us a 'tour car' for the entire trip...free of charge! Yep, when in SK, think 'En's Lexus Toyota' for your next automobile purchase! ;) Thanks Bob, for supporting indie artists. Your generosity will NOT be forgotten!

And thanks to everyone who supported Jill and I on our western swing!

.: On the Yellowhead outside Lloydminster :.

Rhume rocked the Gaga Weekend and it was a blistering, sweatbath of a show. And heck, I don't think I've ever played in the morning. There's nothing like some punk rock to get you going with your day I always say. Ming Wu caught us in action here.

Next up was NXNE which was highlighted by the annual Kelp Records BBQ bash at the Global Backpackers. I played, as did Camp Radio and a host of other friends and family. Super fun as always. And Ming's ever present camera was there to document as well.

July 1st was a first for me as I got to strap on the ol' Les Paul for Jill's set at the Jazzfest (!?) While the Queen of England lingered nearby, I joined Dave, Jerusha and Christine on the big stage ... and I must say it sounded freakin' AWESOME.

Again, more pics from Ming!.

What's up next? Well it's the Kelp Records Revue at Bluesfest. Sure, we're up against (vs.?) Iron Maiden, but there is SO much up the nutty collective sleeves of the wacky Kelp crew that you won't want to stray too far over to the Beast! I would suggest sticking by our stage...address 668...if you know what I'm saying!

And those woodcut posters by Shawn Starwars are AWESOME so be sure to grab one at the fest.

A little farther out is an exciting show at the Black Sheep Inn on Friday July 23rd. I'm playing with Mark Davis and this one will be a CBC recording! Put that one on your calendars and join us in beautiful Wakefield. Tickets are on sale now!

If you want more frequent updates from my world of whatever, be sure to follow me on Twitter and that godforsaken FB page. I try to update them as much as possible and sometimes I even get clever. Or whatever.

See you down the stretch, around the bend or on the mend.

C.

2010-06-01T22:06:00.003-04:00

Go for it. And have one on me

.: Photo of Chris at Raw Sugar by Andrew Carver :.

Hey. Alright.

In celebration of my latest western swing with pal Jill Zmud, I'm offering up another FREE download from a Date With A Smoke Machine.

This one is called 'Summertime Out'.

Of course, if you're so inclined, you can buy the whole record here...cheap!

To add to the digital online fun, the video for Two Twenty-Twos is about 95% complete and will be up online in the coming weeks. Expect some spooky, goofy weirdness for the song about that over-the-counter-drug-running-gal!

A digital only EP of Smoke Machine demos and other covers will be coming along this summer as well.

What's more? Camp Radio is almost finished mixing the new album and there are a ton of shows on the way. It's good to be indie and it's good to stay busy!

But first things first: See you in SK and AB!

.: Photo of Chris at the Mayfair by Ming Wu :.

2010-05-26T21:03:00.003-04:00

Saskatchewan and Alberta!

starting next thursday june 3rd, i hit the road for a few shows with my pal jill zmud. along the way we'll share bills with our western friends mark davis and lorrie matheson. hope to see you out there!

oh! and for some strange mix-up reason, the cafe sola show in saskatoon was cancelled (booo!). but jill, being a local of that fine city, was able to call up some friends and score a pretty sweet result: a house show! and it will be fun! stay tuned for details.

the last time i played saskatoon was at amigos with crash 13(!) phew...the stories. but i'll save 'em... ;)

2010-05-08T10:03:00.003-04:00

Kelp sweet 16 and ready to party

the annual marathon known as kelp weekend is once again upon us so get your tickets and get your rest.

all the details of many shows in multiple cities can be found here at kelp HQ.

i'm up with jim bryson at the mayfair theatre this thursday (tix on sale now and going FAST). then i'll sling the guitar for both the camp radio and rhume sets saturday night at raw sugar (!): coffee, sweat, ringing ears and beau's will ensue.

2010-04-05T17:58:00.002-04:00

9 out of 10 - Americana - UK review

As the reviews keep pouring in, we're pleased to point out the first one from England and its a great one! Go here to check it out.

More shows will be announced soon too!

Another Canadian, Another Great Record

A thread in the Americana-UK forum late last year started to debate why Canada produces so much very good music. After a few suggestions (no X-Factor was one) it turned into a list of great Canadian musicians. Chris Page wasn’t on that list – he should be.

'A Date with A Smoke Machine' has (and I’m using my broadest of broad brushes to paint this picture) two types of track: the acoustic track and the electric track. The beauty of this is that Page seems to have written each song with whatever was a hand at the time. If there was something to plug the Gretch he is holding on the back cover of the album into, then it was electric, if there wasn’t it was acoustic.

Page would seem to be the sort of guy who, if he were hungry, would wander down to the local grocery store with just a vague idea of want he wanted to eat, would have a look around to see what looked good then take it home and cook it. He’s not the sort who would ponder for hours over the latest celebrity chef’s book, make an extensive list then give up because he couldn’t get the right colour pepper. He has the ability to move from the tender folky acoustics of 'Closets Overflowing' to the rockiness of “Fall Back Morning” without missing a beat or breaking sweat.

'A Date With A Smoke Machine' with it’s mix of folk and rock and punk gets better and better with every listen.

Date review added: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Reviewer: John Hawes
Reviewers Rating: 9 of 10
Related web link: Artist Myspace

2010-03-01T22:05:00.003-05:00

A Date with a Magical Night

thanks to everyone who made saturday's record launch show at the dom polski in ottawa an incredible success.

the beau's flowed, year zero rocked and davie spun the turntables (everything from ELO to gaunt, natch!)

pals jill zmud, doug macpherson, jim bryson, dave draves, jon bartlett and scott terry all joined me on stage for a couple of super fun sets.

thanks to jb for once again pulling the kelp magic out of his energetic indie rock top hat.

you can check out some amazing photos of the evening (including these here) by andrew neville.

next stop: calgary! see you out west...

2010-02-23T21:41:00.006-05:00

A Date with a Smoke Machine - LAUNCH TIME!

**** this saturday is the big record launch show here in ottawa to launch 'a date with a smoke machine'. the show is at the dom polski (MAP IT HERE) and doors are at 8pm. CKCU, beau's beer and kelp records are co-sponsoring. come on out, have a few beau's and help send this pop nugget into the stratosphere.

tix are 8 bucks advance at all compact disc locations and $10 at the door.

8pm: doors
9pm: year zero
10pm: chris page w/special guests
11pm: camp radio w/special guests

**** the vinyl is out and it looks and sounds amazing! we'll have it on sale at the show. of course it contains download cards so you can grab the mp3s from the kelp web site while you spin this slab o' glory on your fave turntable!

leila's art is stunning on 12"!

thanks to our amazing friends at saved by vinyl for making this happen!

**** we've had countless terrific reviews for the record so far...check out the fakebook page as we'll keep posting them there.

**** if you want to get a head start, listen and buy it online here:

**** oh yeah...i did this pod-kelp-cast for kelp records last week: what's in that smoke machine, anyway! check it!

rock. on. have. fun.

2010-02-12T21:36:00.003-05:00

A Tribute to Sandy

It is with great sadness that I write this post.

Doug's dad, Sandy MacPherson passed away yesterday.

Sandy was a super guy who touched everyone he met. He was a jokester and true entertainer with a huge heart. He always had that sparkle in his eye and a mischievous grin that gave away the fact he was up to no good.

I have many great memories of this good ol' farmer.

Sandy let The Stand GT take over his house and farm one day to shoot a video. Always the sport, he also agreed to let these nutty young kids cast him as the drummer in some strange story that had him in a band featuring Doug's family. The plot unfolded: the boys in The Stand GT were trying to get to the 'show' to see this band.

But when we finally got there it was too late.

The final scene is of Sandy with that telling smirk, reading the paper.

The show was over. Or was it just a dream?

Sandy, you'll be greatly missed.

Our thoughts are with Doug and his entire family tonight and for the coming days.

2010-01-13T22:18:00.004-05:00

a date with a smoke machine

.: owen and dawn from SBV! :.

we're still a month away from the release of 'smoke machine' and show details are starting to come together. check back here for the full scoop on the bash soon.

here are a couple of early reviews in the meantime...

Chris Page
A Date With A Smoke Machine
(Kelp Records)
*****
Not only will the sexy, tormented voice of Chris Page make you melt, but that guitar work of his is pure greatness. A Date with a Smoke Machine is haunting. The songs cling to you as the memories that made them must cling to Page. And there isn’t a single letdown in the bunch. It’s poetic and moving and constantly surprising you with lyrics like, “I creep into your sleep with panic stricken song.” Page even provides the back story for each song, revealing that even his point of view is poetic. He borrowed a friend’s guitar while on tour and used it to write the introduction to a song. He admits, “I’m not sure if taking songs out of someone’s guitar is fair game.” All’s fair in love Chris, and I love this CD. It’s a new staple for road trips and lazy Sundays.
STACEY LAWRENCE
See Magazine, Edmonton
January 2010

"Coax the Ending Day"
This standout from an upcoming solo album by one-third of the underappreciated Ottawa pop-punk band Camp Radio is so propulsive, it's a shock to belatedly realize that the arrangement has no drums. If you can imagine a cross between Billy Bragg's "Levi Stubbs' Tears" and The Shins' "Kissing the Lipless," you'll be about halfway there. (From A Date With a Smoke Machine, out Feb. 16, http://chrispage.bandcamp.com)
John Sakamoto
Anti-Hit List
January 2010
Toronto Star

you can get the CD now from kelp or this weekend in wakefield when i play with micarza camaro at the awesome kaffe 1870!

see you in the mountains.

> cp

2010-01-01T12:38:00.003-05:00

waiting for the great leap forward

.: thinking about the year. the new year. :.

so it's now 2010 and i'm thrilled this decade is starting off on a friday. it feels much more stabilizing to know you've got a couple of days to get your act together before being thrown head first into the new year.

i reviewed my dorky 'revolutions' from last year on here and i think i did pretty well. i failed at spending less time in vintages and recording junior farmer songs, but i did manage to bike through the winter and, for the most part, keep my shit together. i'm still not on facebook though kelp plans to set me up with an artist page soon. *shudder* maybe i'll see some of you then.

i'll lay off the resolution list this year and only say that my plan is to play and record as much music as possible. the new record is out next month and camp radio mixing of the brand new full length is well under way. i've got solo shows booked and more plans to play with the wonderful jill zmud, so i guess i'm off to a pretty good head start 12 hours into the year.

as i look down the calendar i realize that march 15th is the 25th anniversary of the stand gt plugging in amps for the very first time. interesting. more on that to come i'm sure.

check back here soon for some demos and covers i'll be releasing in advance of 'smoke machine' seeing the light of day. show dates are hopefully coming soon as well.

i've got the test presses for the vinyl and they sound pretty hot. you can get the cd now and the records should be along via saved by vinyl in a month or so.

i'm going to go and watch the hangover now (yes, the movie). ;)

all the best to you and yours for 2010. see you down the line and/or on twitter!

2009-12-13T12:30:00.005-05:00

let it slide, let it snow, let it die

.: what is she doing with those scissors? :.

for a limited time, i've uploaded 4 versions of 2 original christmas songs.

'the minor crime at christmastime' is a brand new track i concocted in my basement inspired by a new vintage guitar and the fact my neighbours are in competition to out-christmas-light each other.

i didn't like the first version originally so i cooked up a take that's a bit more raw...they're both here so you can choose your poison.

the second track is an acoustic version of the stand gt song 'stocking stuffer'. a wonderful and bitter little christmas tale about trimming trees with contempt!

i like that i managed to fit the grinch, my pal mike enberg and shane macgowan all into one song! and remember that good ol' shane was born on christmas day!

i recorded this a couple of years ago...i don't remember when. the original stand gt version is here too...recorded directly from the 7" vinyl. snap! crackle fan!

band camp is a super great site and you can pick any format you want. these holiday numbers are free for downloading, so grab them while you can. i'd love to share in your christmastime playlists.

have a happy and safe festive season. :)

2009-11-29T10:35:00.003-05:00

hello, back catalogue

.: photo by Stephanie Montreuil :.

as we ramp up to officially release 'a date with a smoke machine', there are a bunch of activities underway. i've put up all my solo records on a really cool site called 'band camp'. so far you can listen to the entire back catalogue and soon you'll be able to purchase tracks in any format imaginable.

you can download the first track from smoke machine, 'two twenty twos' for free at the moment, so dig around and be sure to grab that. check back often as more stuff will be coming online and you'll be able to get the entire new record here shortly.

if you haven't seen it, the new video for 'coax the ending day' has been released. i remember when putting out a vid meant a ton of work, money and energy only to cross your fingers with bleak hope that it would show up once on the 'the wedge'. so thank you, youtube:

thank you to stephanie montreuil for the really nice live pics she took at a recent show. she kindly allowed me to use them for promo purposes so i thought i'd include a couple in this post.

.: photo by Stephanie Montreuil :.

next up: video for two twenty twos and show bookings. want me to play in your town? get in touch. believe it or not, i'll actually be heading out on the road soon. where i play is completely up in the air at the moment.

cheers.

2009-11-03T17:06:00.004-05:00

best new artist no doubt

.: two members of the stand gt, about to kick out the jams :.

it's cool to be nominated for 'best new artist' in ottawa: even though i'm not sure what it all means and i've got more than a few friends getting a kick out it.

anyway, you should vote for me here at the ottawa xpress.

i thought i'd dig up an old pic for the occasion of me and someone else who could have easily been nominated for best new artist in ottawa, todd gibbon of the fiftymen. :)

can anyone guess the year?

speaking of something actually 'new', my new album is here and stacked up in a basement closet. it hits the streets feb. 16th...many more details to follow.

in the meantime, get voting!

2009-10-12T16:08:00.003-04:00

two shows this weekend!

.: the line up @ raw sugar this saturday afternoon :.

i'm firing up two sets this coming saturday if you plan to be in ottawa and/or the local environs. first, i'm on around 3pmish at raw sugar for a singer-songwriter afternoon show being put on by kelp and beau's. jill zmud, sarah hallman and others will join me on stage.

then it's off to wakefield for an evening show at the spectacularly fine kaffe 1870. wayne from bloomistry will be starting off the evening, so c'mon up for a drink and listen in the mountains.

psst: i have my new cd on hand, but shhhhh: it doesn't 'come out' until february. but no worries, you can buy one now if you like. more details about the official launch will be coming later on. email me if you need some pronto.

.: a.v. lounges in our pop montreal digs :.

as always, pop montreal was a blast this year. we teamed up with mint and had two super fun shows. the bbq was a raging success by all accounts. how is it we are able to score great weather each year?

NOTE: sorry to report the camp radio show at the elmdale with the spitfire nines has been canceled for unforeseen reasons. we promise we'll reschedule soon.

2009-10-01T14:13:00.001-04:00

and on to pop montreal

.: shooting 'coax the ending day' :.

if you're heading to la belle province this weekend, specifically the glorious island of montreal, be sure to stop by the kelp records showcase and bbq! we've teamed up with mint again this year and it promises to be a killer couple of days and shows! details:

POP MONTREAL!

THURSDAY OCTOBER 1ST
MINT / KELP SHOWCASE!
Petit Campus (57 Prince-Arthur Est), MONTREAL
A Pop Montreal Showcase
$8 at the door

9pm- Chris Page
10pm- Hot Panda
11pm- Andrew Vincent
12am- The Pack AD
1am- Flecton Big Sky
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=135062201363&ref=search&sid=519941985.890024696..1

FRIDAY OCTOBER 2ND
MINT / KELP / UNFAMILIAR AND COKEMACHINEGLOW.COM co-present

EAST MEATS WEST III
Friday October 2nd, 1pm-7pm
Notman House (51 Sherbrooke Ouest @ Clark), MONTREAL
free show and food!

1.30- no gold
2.00- flecton big sky
2.30- carolyn mark
3.00- hot panda
3.30- the pack a.d.
4.00- snailhouse
4.30- andrew vincent
5.00- chris page
5.30- hollerado
6.00- sports: the band

Free food and very cheap suds while supplies last. Come early for the swedish berries and Dubble Bubble!
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=169095597387

2009-09-14T20:02:00.002-04:00

mountain air i do declare

.: red sky at night :.

i just finished listening to this solo record master for the umpteenth time and yikes, i still like it. 'a date with a smoke machine' rolls off to the plant tomorrow. the artwork is smoking again and i feel like i might be on to something. much more on that later...

while listening, i'm reflecting a some pretty amazing weekends with family and friends recently and i thought i'd share some of the cool moments from a couple of days ago. my dad and i caught this incredible sunset that someone sent our way and i was pretty grateful to have my camera nearby. we both paused for this one.

*sigh*

then i thought i should rip it up, get creative and shoot a video.

yeah, much more on that later too.

.: standing the shadow of a late summer day :.

.: after dinner jam :.

my uncle bob pulled out his accordion after dinner and treated us all to a bunch of fine traditional reels and spiels. i accompanied on my magical j45 and while he looks like he's about to give me the gears for playing a wrong note here, i thought i did rather well. :)

hearing his playing echo in the still country mountain air was a serious treat.

2009-09-04T20:26:00.003-04:00

camp radio: rock record update

.: charlie says a-ok to the cottage inspired blistering leads :.

no seriously. it's freaking cool being independent. you get to work at your own pace. camp radio has tracked 15 crunchass tunes and now i'm messing with them getting ready to finish up with the leads, overdubs, glockenspiels, 5 part harmonies, etc. here, senior demo producer charlie takes a time out while i work the camera. it was pouring rain at the cottage so we both set up that morning in the country kitchen and laid down some ridiculous solos. ridiculous!

.: late one night near the river near the falls :.

later on and days later, i found jim and hinch drinking in the new grotto out in the bush. the mountain air had got to them and they were giddy there in the patio lantern light.

2009-08-13T18:12:00.003-04:00

hanging at the bathouse

.: jim tracking brand new spanking tunes :.

i've been cashing in a little vacation time this week, hanging with jim recording his new album out in bath, ontario. the new stuff is sounding beyond killer and this place is absolutely magical. dave and bandit are here too and as i type this, jim is ripping through some incredible guitar parts that will have tone fiends drooling in the aisles.

.: dave with house engineer aaron :.

there was a meteor shower last night and while the guinness was flowing and the stars were shooting, the highlight of the night was probably aaron's wicked 3am grilled cheese.

i don't want to go back to reality. ever.

2009-07-23T11:50:00.003-04:00

it's a smaller world after all, twitter

i got a huge kick out of this today. a friend from boston pinged me on twitter from merge XX (i was at 15 and bummed i'm not in carrboro right now). to set the scene: a guy from boston standing in a crowd in carrboro NC beside a stranger from seattle:

bradleysalmanac@chrispager So I'm standing in the crowd at XXMerge & I hear a guy next to me say the words "Stand GT" in between songs. Carl from Seattle?

that would be 'the' carl from top drawer records. nutty.

be sure to check out brad's terrific and long running blog here.

as for carl, i'm sure you can find him on facebook. ;)

2009-07-20T22:13:00.002-04:00

chris: black sheep inn july 23

hopefully you're not too bluesfested out. i'm playing the magical black sheep inn up in wakefield qc this thursday with the kingmakers and great bloomers. come up to the mountains and enjoy the air. i'm on at 8:30 sharp...it's a school night, kids!

.: at raw sugar: photo by jesse hildebrand :.

we had a swell time at the fine raw sugar...thanks to the folks who popped by to see me play some songs to the rain with western pals mark davis and lorrie matheson. it was a room of albertans!

and jesse hildebrand took shot amazing shots (see above). you should check out his site here.

awesome pics, jesse.

2009-06-20T12:38:00.001-04:00

...and this just in!

i've confirmed with the man himself and 'piet masone' will be joining camp radio on the bill at the kaffe 1870 in wakefield on july 4th! suh-weet!

2009-06-20T09:58:00.002-04:00

westfest and upcoming shows

westfest, as always, was a pleasure to play and super fun. for those who missed it, dave was asked to put a set together for a sunday evening show. while we didn't get in all the songs we hoped due to time constraints, it was a great pleasure to share the stage with such incredible talent. it was the first time i'd played with jill, christine and jerusha...and i was blown away by their powerful voices.

did they ever make my songs sound good, huh?

.: striking a ghostly pose over dave, jill, christine and jerusha :.

here's a clip of jill's gorgeous song, reconcile.

oh, by the way, i've got a couple of upcoming shows. i'm playing solo with alberta pals lorrie matheson and mark davis @ raw sugar on thursday july 2nd. then camp radio is in at the fine kaffe 1870 up in wakfield QC on saturday july 4th.

2009-04-26T12:46:00.002-04:00

kelp records 15th anniversary party this weekend!

as the buds are exploding on trees over here and i'm cranked up on lack of sleep and too much coffee, i figured it was about time i get to updating this blog.

it's kelp anniversary time folks, when i know it is truly time to usher in spring! And there is SO much going on this week:

.: damn i love this poster :.

as you can see, camp radio is playing at the elmdale on friday night. i'm playing solo on saturday at the carleton tavern and with rhume at the gluepot saturday night. sleep? hell with it.

you should really get your passes ASAP here. i hear they're flying...

.: rolfster and jb: random alley shot :.

get all the details over at kelp, including show stuff, off-the-beaten-track and after-last-call activities as well as this year's cause of choice: ride to conquer cancer (it's true! matt and liz will be stationary biking during each show!)

the new kelp sampler, kelp 15, is also streaming off the home page, so be sure to give it a listen.

well allright! i guess i'll see you all at the shows...

2009-03-26T21:11:00.004-04:00

the austin texas recovery

.: at the hold steady, feeling fairly steady :.

okay so i think i'm fully recovered from sxsw. what was that, 4 days recovery time? not bad. hi-lites for me? they are far too many to list here. ask me over a beer. regrets? 5000 shows in 4 days is an awful lot to take in, so yes i missed a few and yes, i have regrets.

but man, what a great time.

i suppose i should get a flickr account or something and share some memories. i know. facebook too. how the hell do you people have time to update all this stuff! ;)

i'm loving twitter at the moment, so feel free to find me there. its rapid-fire-concise-no-time-to-waste blogging for those of you still curious. perfect.

KELP TURNS 15: keep the last weekend of april open! april 30th the music flood gates open. prez jon has lots up his indie sleeves so you don't want to miss a thing. i'll be playing a solo set (somewhere) of sure to be legendary gems (sometime - ha!) and camp radio will make an appearance, drunk on new material.

there's a new kelp 15 comp out and it's really wicked. i have a non-new-album track called 'calling all kids reunion' on there and camp radio contributed 'cracked up to be'. there's a ton of other great numbers from kelp artists and friends...be sure to grab one before the big weekend.

2009-02-27T20:41:00.004-05:00

SAVE CBC RADIO 3

please sign this petition and help save one of the most important supporters of indie music in this country.

i honestly can't imagine losing radio 3.

sign here

2009-02-11T21:09:00.006-05:00

camp radio back in the studio

.: dave heading to the moon room with jb, higs, civ and page :.

i'm happy to report that camp radio took major strides toward a brand new album this past weekend. 8 beds are down and 1 is finished, mixed and destined for the kelp records 15th anniversary comp due out this spring.

.: estee guards the drum troll room post smoke break :.

the comp track is a cool departure, i think. title TBD, though 'last minute comp track' seems to be the current choice (read: joke).

there are 6 more to add to the 8 in the coming weeks. we'll see how the indie rock ditch digging goes and if we can't wrap it all up by summer.

my solo record 'a date with a smoke machine' is currently being mastered by the good lads at little bullhorn. we're still targeting a mid-spring release on kelp and saved by vinyl.

.: draves has a new smoking coat :.

2009-01-31T10:04:00.003-05:00

in a cabin with...

.: check out the new myspace page here :.

on feb. 9th i'm playing a set as part of the dutch music recording project called 'in a cabin with'.

it's a pretty cool event that mashes up artists from the netherlands and the project's host country. the dutch musicians seek out cool and idyllic locales around the world and spend time holed up in a makeshift recording studio.

it's a fascinating project and i'm looking forward to hearing more.

from what i understand the mercury lounge show is a showcase of what's going on here in ottawa as part of the canadian leg of the project.

will be fun!

monday, february 9th: mercury lounge, 56 byward market sq., ottawa.

2008-12-31T16:41:00.002-05:00

taking a long walk off a short year

.: glengarry sunset, christmas day 2008 :.

some new year's revolutions for 2009:

i will:

- entertain the idea of purchasing an old guitar that's new to me.

- try not to loiter as much in the lcbo(s)...or worse on the home hardware book, vintages.

- endeavor to release a 'record' of original solo songs that the kids won't like

- try to keep my shit together

- entertain the idea of opening a facebook account for all you people who can't find me on the web

- ride my bike through an ottawa winter

- get camp radio to record those new songs we've been mulling over for two years

- drink and skate for the millionaires 10th anniversary at the exclaim cup

- record those long lost junior farmer songs and put them on the net for posterity

- brush my cat a bit more (his dreads in '08 were jah awe inspiring)

feel free to call me on any of these as '09 winds down...that's if you can find me on the web.

happy '09. be free. be happy. be true.

2008-11-19T20:01:00.007-05:00

maybe you'll keep me on your radar - cbc radio 3's tune o' the day

.: i'm there, really...in alymer...reading the paper or something :.

it was cool to find out killer online music emporium, cbc radio 3, picked one of my songs for this feature yesterday.

you can check it here.

originally only appearing on a kelp records comp, 'radar' is ironically the last song we tracked for my new solo album. i attempted to give it new life while dave attempted to give it some nasty camp radio-ish bass lines.

it just might get included it in the final track listing after all.

as with anything else in this snails-pace-broke-for-time-and-money-spiritually-beaten-down indie music process, we'll see what happens.

2008-11-03T19:10:00.004-05:00

camp radio LIVE this friday

.: estee on his best behaviour, note the halo :.

in celebration of our pals micarza camaro's album launch, camp radio is dusting off marsha for a rare local ottawa show this friday.

the dig hits the shins at 9pm in the lovely confines of what is becoming one hell of a nation's cap hot spot: the elmdale.

listen: camp radio's 'reinventing the laugh track'.

give 'er.

2008-10-27T19:26:00.009-04:00

spooky, kooky, rock and roll

.: elmdale shot of me by leila meltingplastic :.

sweet. it's shaping up to be a fun and freaky spook week here in the nation's cap.

first up, my brothers and i collectively as rhume will rip it up mat night style on thursday at the elmdale. i'm wondering what ol' jb'll have up his rock sleeve to mark such a devilish pre-hallowe'en tradition? we're joined by amsterdam's hospital bombers. dawn from saved by radio is fan. should be wicked!

friday i'll celebrate one of my fave nights of the year taking in the centretown massacre VI. the flaps fronted by mr. kelp with preside over festivities with several local dj's spinning for the local ghouls and goblins. if you're reading this, you already know where it's going down.

and i mean down.

have an evil week.

2008-10-13T17:42:00.004-04:00

waiting for the great leap forward

.: get out and VOTE on october 14th! :.

with the green party potentially poised to make serious inroads this federal election, i worry that with so many voters claiming to still be undecided, folks will once again vote for the better of two evils.

with the economy dominating the headlines, i'm concerned the electorate will run scared and vote status quo.

it's important to remember that if you vote for what you don't want, you will end up with exactly that.

sure, i can't even comprehend how devastating a 4 year harper majority would be for our economy, our arts, our environment, our foreign policy...our entire country. but i've made an informed decision and a strategic vote is not what i intend to cast.

be brave tomorrow: vote for what you want.

2008-10-07T10:36:00.005-04:00

merci montreal!

.:flecton rocks at les 3 minots. no one could tell us what minots means:.

kelp records staged two hugely successful shows this past weekend in montreal.

the first was a friday afternoon outdoor bbq as we teamed up with vancouver's mint records. yeah, it was a chilly and blustery fall day, but the crowd was hardy (hey, they're montrealers, man) and the bands rocked all afternoon. mint's novillero blew me away and angela devaux's set was wonderful as well. kelp camp pals flecton and the hilotrons joined camp radio to round out the bill.

.:the bbq crowd hit the kegs and grills despite the chilly day:.

next up for the kelp caravan was a showcase at a quaint and esthetically pleasing les 3 minots. andrew vincent, rhume, flecton, camp radio and the hilotrons turned out amazing sets for the capacity crowd that cycled through all evening. kelp has some solid traction in our neighbouring city to the east!

thanks to mark lepage for some swell notes in the montreal gazette.

.:andrew vincent and a swell looking fire jet:.

while the gear load-in to hotel rooms was getting a little tiring by 3am sunday morning, the team effort once again turned out to be a killer success.

watch for pics from kelp's photo stream coming soon.

2008-10-02T16:52:00.006-04:00

camp radio pop montreals (and i elmdale!)

.:thanks jeff for this classic (!?) pic of me in a post-show montreal hotel room.:

camp radio returns to my place of birth this weekend for two wickedly fun shows!

friday afternoon is the 2nd annual bbq at notman house (sherbrooke/clark) and gets going at 1pm sharp. this year kelp has teamed up with the illustrious mint records and these fine acts will be joining us for some parking lot free beer and free food: flecton, hilotrons, angela devaux, novillero and buttless chaps.

saturday night we're at les 3 minots as part of the kelp showcase that will also include andrew vincent and rhume.

sunday i'm back in ottawa to hang with west coasters the buttless chaps at the elmdale tavern in ottawa. it's an early show, 8pm.

2008-09-04T22:53:00.003-04:00

chris live at the bytown saturday

i'm playing with pals the allrights and cam malcolm this saturday in ottawa at the bytown: 292 elgin.

i'll test drive some new songs from the upcoming album (you be the judge) as well as some older numbers. maybe i'll even get ahead of myself and work through an unreleased camp radio tune...depends if estee is in the house.

come early, show starts at 9pm.

and yeah, the cover is super dirty deeds style cheap.

2008-08-25T12:24:00.005-04:00

seattle dreaming

.:the stand gt at the legendary and now defunct crocodile cafe:.

while a good friend of mine is off to bumbershoot, i thought i'd kill a couple of birds by getting to an overdue post and writing a bit about a seattle-related omission from the stand gt discography page (thanks biopunk!).

'13 soda punx' was a dizzyingly cool comp put out by seattle's top drawer records in the mid-90s (and on glorious vinyl via munster records in spain). it boasted a killer line up that included such legendary west coast luminaries as the young fresh fellows, the fastbacks, bum, the smugglers, mr. t experience, cub and a little known band from way out in the boons of eastern canada!

the stand gt's contribution was a crushing pop nugget called 'corner store' (grab the mp3 here!), a track that has never appeared anywhere else. the song is about a late night cigarette trip in a wheel barrow after a post-show party in beautiful sault st. marie! while the comp is long gone and waaaay out of print, i still have a few floating around my closets. 13 soda punx was one of the great comps from this magical era in the stand gt's relatively unheralded history.

2008-07-03T21:19:00.002-04:00

taking the '62 vette for a ride in the country

.:somewhere in the hills for canada day:.

while i know my dad would interpret the title of this post much differently than i intended, i still think it's amusing to talk about a guitar as if referring to a classic car. ah, good ol' gretsch!

this past week i had the new '62 (new to me) out on the front porch of the cottage, competing with, er, i mean, complimenting the nature sounds all around me. i've been trying to capture some of that glorious mountain magic on 'tape' for my new solo record that i've been babbling on about.

the conditions for yesterday's session were a bit on the breezy side and the mic felt it, so i'm not sure how many of the takes are usable. but it was sure awesome to set up there again and try to coax some sweet, mysterious and fateful sounds.

> yes i know, that's a rancher in the shot...the corvette was done for the day when i remembered to document the afternoon with a pic. :)

2008-06-21T07:46:00.006-04:00

RBC blue water project:
someone at the royal bank didn't get the memo

.:someone please stop the madness:.

while it's all fine and dandy for money-gobbed conglomerates to play responsible corporate citizens, i find it particularly interesting and extremely disappointing when they fail to practice what they pretend to preach.

rbc is filling its corporate social responsibility dance card by throwing their hard earned cash at water sustainability: an extremely worthy cause which is near and dear to my heart (not to mention the literal rest of my being).

so imagine my surprise when i noticed royal bank branches giving out bottled water as part of 'customer appreciation' last friday (june 13th 2008).

maybe i should apply for a community action grant to stop the water bottling plant that is destroying the aquifer and surrounding environment in the community where my dad grew up?

2008-06-16T20:25:00.012-04:00

"no, i am not wearing a margarita" - kelp/saved by vinyl nxne bbq!

.:camp radio photo copyright/courtesy chromewaves.net:.

yes, i was asked.

for those of you who missed the rhume set earlier in the day, it was friday the 13th after all! our fearful kelp leader jon bartlett didn't disappoint as a roller-skating, surreal spectacle of corn starch, plastic axes and rock and roll!

so yes, those would be 'blood' stains. ;)

it was wicked to finally get camp radio to toronto and play with such great 'family' and friends. thanks to all who came out, hung out and made this a rousing and raucous event for the second year in a row (special thanks to kelp, saved by vinyl, cbc radio 3, exclaim and global village backpackers for the support).

and, in all honesty, i don't know if it's 30km, 30 hours or 30 days. but sadly it just doesn't seem to be working for me anymore either. see grant's quips and quotes for more nxne 'overheard'.

2008-06-10T20:48:00.012-04:00

camp radio steps into big smoke

.:photo by leila meltingplastic:.

this friday is the second annual 'east meats west' bbq at nxne in toronto. kelp and saved by vinyl are once again teaming up for what promises to be a killer afternoon. show starts at noon and goes right through the afternoon with 11 acts, free bbq and free beer (seriously, though; we aren't supposed to talk about that part much).

last year was overwhelmingly successful, so we decided to give it another go. camp radio is in fact along for the ride this time. we hit the 'stage' at 5pm-ish. see you there for our first show in toronto.

more details at kelp

2008-06-04T19:29:00.003-04:00

comb my hair with a pork chop for clean air day

.: scott, tony and chris at cbc vancouver in '02 :.

cbc radio had a great bit about a recent report on the "air in airplanes" this morning. i've always wondered after a plane ride why my skin felt like it was caked in bacon grease and my hair was combed with a pork chop. (thanks tony and scott...that expression still makes me chuckle). did you know that the degradation of oxygen on an airplane at 30,000 ft is akin to sitting on top of a mountain 8000 ft above sea level? and that the air pumped into the pressurized cabins actually comes from the engines and that there is now concern over what else is seeping in with that fabricated air? eew.

but here on the ground, as i whizzed by non-car-poolies sitting at lights on my bike to work this morning, i wondered how many actually contemplate something like clean air day...regardless of their chosen mode of transpo.

as my mom used to say, tongue in cheek, 'shouldn't every day be mother's day'?

2008-06-02T20:11:00.000-04:00

dueling L4s and the daunting task of record making

this new solo record of mine is well out of the bed-track gate and my coveted L4s are really producing some exciting sounds. i'm surprised at how mellow things are starting out, but we'll see how that unfolds when dave and i plug in some amps and turn this thing up a notch.

i'm tracking 17 songs, 5 of which you may have heard in previous incarnations (3 from kelp comps, 2 from the most distant past). i'll post some mp3 progress soon.

2008-04-02T21:24:00.001-04:00

new spring, new board, new songs

that's no 70s juke draves is cueing up!

it's his new magic machine all lit up, just before taking its place on the sleek steel shelf and preparing to play the role of 'heartbeat' to the mighty little bullhorn prods!

i've started recording my new solo record with dave. the sounds we are already getting out of this beast are blowing us away! it'll be super interesting to see how the record progresses.

2007-07-03T21:42:00.000-04:00

a buck seventy-seven

i bought the most incredible raspberries tonight at the god-forsaken 'super' market.

they were PERFECT. not a blemish. super plump. super shapely. so RED! all tucked sweetly in little plastic containers, lovingly stacked in a 'pay-attention-to me' pile that glimmered under the fluorescent lighting in there: there, in the non-organic produce section of said god-forsaken store.

the kicker? they were $1.77 per container. in total. each. one dollar seventy-seven! and ALL the way FOR ME from watsonville, california: zip code 995077.

i was so blown away by my good fortune, stumbling upon all of this dirt cheap perfection here in eastern canada in the summertime, that i bought three of those little tiny plastic packages (yes, i know what you're thinking...and i should have bought more).

another great day for me. another great day for the environment. i'm going to have some for breakfast.